That Oprah wore Sabyasachi in Jaipur is old news, but here’s something about the overexposed fashion designer that you may not know – he is now retailing hair bands and high heels, bustier and bangles. And all of them, dear reader, are utterly, butterly delicious.

Higher Up!

Sabyasachi by Sabyasachi launched early last week, a new store above Kitsch, Kala Ghoda that retains the main design elements of the flagship space (located in the same building) but is brighter and less formal. Here, countless clocks are replaced by a large couch; bridal wear gives way to a billowy white poet’s shirt straight out of Shakespeare in Love.

Invent-ory

In our review of the flagship store, we had griped that Sabyasachi isn’t innovating anymore. This new space, dedicated to Western wear and accessories, rubbishes that complaint. The motifs used here are classic Sabyasachi – blooming flowers and mottled colours – but they are re-imagined to fit on a thick fuchsia hair band, or an A-line shirt that looks like a tent on the hanger but is miraculously flattering once worn.

Also see thick piles of cloth-covered bangles, in gingham checks and zardozi flowers, prints and pearls, sold as sets in pretty boxes – an entire Sabyasachi outfit that you can wear on your wrist; or sky blue platform heels with printed soles.

Sticker Shock

The lust induced by these is particularly brutal because of the price tag attached – even regular patrons of the designer will find them surprisingly expensive. The abovementioned hair band for instance, retails at Rs 22,000; the tent shirt, cut from cotton fabric and embroidered with a large flower, will set you back over Rs 40,000. “Most of these are runway pieces, so they’re priced higher,” explains the sales staff. Hmmm.

We comforted ourselves with the few pieces that we could conceivably afford – a set of bangles (Rs 7,000), a devastatingly sexy bustier that could double up as a sari blouse (Rs 16,000) and thick, warm silk-woolen sweaters perfect for the Mumbai winter (Rs 8,000).

Go for these, or just to ogle. The stuff here is a sight to see.

Getting there: Sabyasachi by Sabyasachi, 3^rd floor, above Kitsch, opposite the Blue Synagogue, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Rs 8,000 for a sweater.